NFL Player News

Kuntz reverted to the Jets' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Kuntz made his 2024 regular-season debut Sunday against the Jaguars and served as the Jets' No. 3 tight end behind Jeremy Ruckert and Kenny Yeboah due to Tyler Conklin (personal) being sidelined. Kuntz ended up playing seven snaps (one on offense, six on special teams) and did not show up in the box score. Kuntz could be elevated for a second straight game if Conklin doesn't play in the Jets' Week 16 clash against the Rams on Sunday.

Tomlinson reverted to the Chargers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Tomlinson was elevated to the active roster for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers and served as the No. 3 tight end behind Stone Smartt and Tucker Fisk due to Will Dissly (shoulder) being sidelined. Tomlinson played in nine of the Chargers' 52 offensive snaps but did not show up in the box score. Tomlinson could be elevated for Thursday's game against the Broncos if Dissly is unable to progress in his recovery enough to play.

Smith reverted to Houston's practice squad Monday.

Smith was elevated for the second straight week since Cade Stover (appendix) was out and Teagan Quitoriano (knee) remains on injured reserve, but he once again failed to record any stats. Smith could be called up for the team's Week 16 matchup versus the Chiefs if Stover remains sidelined.

Firkser reverted to Kansas City's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Firkser was elevated to the active roster for the second straight week, failing to record any stats while playing seven snaps on offense and two snaps with the special-teams unit in Sunday's 21-7 win over the Browns. The tight end can still be elevated one more time before he'd have to be officially signed to the active roster.

Dissly (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report.

Dissly was injured Week 14 against the Chiefs and missed this past Sunday's loss to the Bucs. He's viewed as "week-to-week," and now the Chargers have a short week ahead of a Thursday night game against the division-rival Broncos. With Dissly out versus Tampa Bay, Stone Smartt played 67 percent of the offensive snaps and posted a useful 5-50-0 line on six targets, though he also lost a fumble.

Bellinger caught all three of his targets for 35 yards Sunday in a 35-14 loss to Baltimore.

Bellinger's target and reception counts tied for third most on the team, and he ranked third in receiving yards behind Malik Nabers (82) and Wan'Dale Robinson (38). With Theo Johnson (foot) out for the season, Bellinger has moved into a starting role and has eight catches for 80 yards over his past two contests. New York's quarterback situation is messy with Drew Lock (heel/elbow) missing Sunday's game and Tommy DeVito leaving late in the second quarter due to a concussion, as journeyman Tim Boyle was left to lead the offense in the second half. The injuries and overall poor play at the QB position could actually play somewhat into a positive situation for Bellinger, though, as he's been used mostly as a security blanket in the short areas of the field.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that he's "hopeful" Njoku (hamstring) will be able to suit up for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Stefanski offered similar availability for Cedric Tillman (concussion), as both he and Njoku were sidelined for Cleveland's 21-7 loss to the Chiefs in Week 15. After Jameis Winston was benched in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson versus Kansas City, however, it remains to be seen who will be under center on the road against the Bengals, even if Njoku manages to retake the field. Wednesday's first official practice report will reveal more details regarding the standout tight end's health.

Ruckert caught one of three targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 32-25 win over the Jaguars.

Ruckert was the only Jets tight end to be targeted in the absence of Tyler Conklin (personal), but the Lindenhurst, NY native didn't take advantage of the added opportunities. Ruckert has yet to exceed 17 yards in a game this season, and he won't have much fantasy upside in Week 16 against the Rams, regardless of Conklin's availability.

Hooper caught all three of his targets for 38 yards in Sunday's 30-17 loss to the Cardinals.

Hooper was on the field for 31 of a possible 51 snaps on offense in the contest, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, while fellow tight end Hunter Henry logged 41 snaps and caught all four of his targets for 25 yards. Though he continues to work in a timeshare with Henry, Hooper has managed to catch three or four passes in each of his last five games, giving him a modest but reliable fantasy floor in deeper/TE-friendly formats.

Likely caught both of his targets for 17 yards in Sunday's win over the Giants.

Likely's usage dropped off Sunday after he drew eight targets in Baltimore's last game. He continues to handle a significant snap share, as he has been on the field for over 50 percent in each of the last three games, but his usage as a receiver is inconsistent. The Ravens play a pivotal home game against the Steelers in Week 16. In Likely's last outing against Pittsburgh in Week 11, he caught four of five targets for 75 yards.